Interferential current stimulation during dental facial treatment improves masticatory function.

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oral Rehabilitation

Background:

• Interferential current transcutaneous stimulation (IW) is known to affect swallowing sensorimotor function.
• Its immediate impact on masticatory performance, however, remains largely uninvestigated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if IW stimulation applied to the masseter region can immediately enhance masticatory performance.
• To assess the effect of IW on chewing ease.

Main Methods:

• A randomized, sham-controlled crossover study design was employed.
• Masticatory performance was measured by glucose elution from a standardized gummy jelly.
• Chewing ease was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS).
• Mixed-effects modeling was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• IW stimulation led to immediate, significant improvements in occlusal function, indicated by increased glucose elution (p < 0.001).
• Sham stimulation showed a decrease in glucose elution (p = 0.0019).
• Chewing ease (VAS) improved with both IW and sham, but the gain was greater with IW.

Conclusions:

• IW stimulation appears to provide rapid, within-session benefits to occlusal function and chewing ease.
• The findings suggest peripheral sensory influences on masticatory output, though expectancy effects require further investigation.
• IW may serve as a noninvasive adjunct in oral rehabilitation strategies.